City hall seeks counsel on Transit safety (Sept. 7)

Winnipeg Transit is recommending the creation of a Transit Advisory Committee to review industry standards in other cities and make recommendations on how to further improve bus safety after a Transit operator was fatally stabbed at the end of his shift in February.

The recommendation is part of a Transit report on bus safety that’s scheduled to go to the city’s Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works committee on Sept 11.

Transit is recommending the advisory committee have a membership of seven, including Coun. Marty Morantz (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Whyte Ridge) – who is also chair of the public works committee – as well as representatives from Transit, police, one bus operator and union officials.

The report also recommends the city increase funding in 2018 to improve bus safety, including expanding audio/visual surveillance on buses, enhancing training for operators and creating more inspector positions to provide additional on-site safety.

Winnipeg bus operator Irvine J. Fraser was stabbed to death in the early hours of Feb. 14 during the last stop of his shift at the University of Manitoba. His death prompted renewed calls for improved safety on Winnipeg Transit buses.